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Column: 6 teams can win the Big Ten West (sorry, Illinois). Here are reasons to believe in each of them — and reasons to doubt.

Northwestern clinched the Big Ten West last year with two games to play.
Charlie Neibergall / AP
Northwestern clinched the Big Ten West last year with two games to play.
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Northwestern was such an out-of-nowhere Big Ten West champion last year, I’m still not sure it happened. Duke and Akron might feel the same.

But the Wildcats defense was that good down the stretch, freshman running back Isaiah Bowser became a beast and Northwestern committed only 40 penalties all season. Beyond that, I have no explanation.

So what’s in store in 2019?

Northwestern locked up the West with two games to play. No way that happens this year.

The division will be tighter than the lid on a pickle jar. Six teams can win it. (Sorry, Illinois fans. You still have men’s golf. And maybe basketball.)

Here’s a breakdown of the six contenders, listed in order of their chances to win the Big Ten West according to MyBookie.ag (+275 means you would have to wager $100 to win $275).

Nebraska

Odds: +275.

Reasons to pick: Remember what Scott Frost did in Year 2 at UCF? Undefeated. And Frost has a spectacular quarterback in sophomore Adrian Martinez, whom he praised as “fearless” after Martinez shredded Iowa’s strong defense — on the road — in the Cornhuskers’ finale. Nebraska attracted several promising transfers, starting with running back Dedrick Mills. And cornerback Dicaprio Bootle has the game to match his legendary name.

Reasons to punt: The offensive line lacks depth, and you can’t call the beleaguered defense “Blackshirts” yet — though the unis are getting darker.

Wisconsin

Odds: +350.

Reasons to pick: Jonathan Taylor is primed to crank out another 2,000-yard rushing season. Receiver Quintez Cephus is expected back after a jury acquitted him of sexual assault charges. The Badgers have several fine options at quarterback, starting with veteran Jack Coan. True freshman Graham Mertz has gotten the buzz, but don’t snooze on redshirt freshman Chase Wolf. The offensive line is, well, the Wisconsin offensive line; five-star recruit Logan Brown might get redshirted.

Reasons to punt: The crossover schedule is downright sinister, with the Badgers facing Michigan and Michigan State at home and Ohio State at the ‘Shoe. Wisconsin is thin at outside linebacker, and a QB controversy could be detrimental.

Purdue

Odds: +375.

Reasons to pick: Rondale Moore produces more electricity than one of those wind turbines near West Lafayette. Coach Jeff Brohm can outscheme some of the game’s sharpest defensive minds. Quarterback Elijah Sindelar, who turned 23 in June, has seen it all. The crossovers are manageable: Penn State on the road, Maryland and Indiana … or would Purdue relish another date with Ohio State?

Reasons to punt: The Boilermakers are not particularly strong on either line. This is an extremely young team that’s well short of the 85-scholarship limit. A thin backfield became emaciated after veteran running back Tario Fuller suffered a fractured jaw.

Minnesota

Odds: +450.

Reasons to pick: The Gophers finished 2018 with a flurry, outscoring Wisconsin and Georgia Tech 71-25. The receivers are terrific, led by veteran Tyler Johnson. Tailback Mohamed Ibrahim was lethal down the stretch. The offensive line is gargantuan, starting with 400-pound Australian Daniel Faalele. The crossovers are kind: Rutgers (road), Maryland and Penn State.

Reasons to punt: Starting quarterback Zack Annexstad went down with a foot injury two weeks ago and might miss the season. On the plus side, Tanner Morgan is 4-2 as a starter. This is a young team that, for what it’s worth, gave up 55 points to Illinois last season.

Iowa

Odds: +475.

Reasons to pick: Nine starters return on each side. Nate Stanley might be the conference’s best pocket passer. A.J. Epenesa is a QB-seeking missile and a huge part of a potentially great defense. The Hawkeyes are due to win some close games.

Reasons to punt: Stanley’s a fine quarterback, but here’s a reality check: He completed a modest 59.3 percent last season despite having two All-America tight ends taken in the first round of the NFL draft. All-Big Ten safety Amani Hooker also is gone. The rushing attack could falter again, and the Hawkeyes face two tough crossover games at Michigan and at home against Penn State.

Northwestern

Odds: +550.

Reasons to pick: The defense should be strong, especially in the secondary. Linebacker Paddy Fisher and end Joe Gaziano are among the best in the conference. Bowser and Drake Anderson could be a thunder-and-lightning combo in the backfield. Barring more crazy injuries, the punter won’t have to double as the place-kicker. And in case you haven’t heard, these guys know how to win. They’re 15-1 in their last 16 regular-season Big Ten games.

Reasons to punt: The Wildcats leave themselves susceptible to heartbreak by always playing close games. Clayton Thorson is gone, leaving a potential QB quandary. Will Hunter Johnson beat out TJ Green? Don’t assume.